Stewed Okra
A savory Southern-style stewed okra dish with tomatoes and onions, perfect for serving over rice. It offers a hearty, flavorful vegetarian option with a tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and chop the okra.
- Dice the onion.
- Heat bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium to high heat.
- Add chopped okra and stir until it stops stringing.
- Add diced onion, sugar, and half of the peeled tomatoes, cut up.
- Place the other half of the tomatoes and the juice into a food processor and blend until liquid.
- Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the other ingredients.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook until the okra is tender.
- Serve over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To reduce the sliminess of okra, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly before chopping. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil or butter can be used as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the drippings with vegetable oil and omit the bacon. This dish can also benefit from the addition of bell peppers or garlic for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stewed okra over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Helen's German Potato Salad for a hearty meal. For added freshness, consider a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency. Stewed okra can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stewed Okra contains roughly 228 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 4-5 medium tomatoes should work well. Just peel, chop, and blend them to achieve a similar consistency to canned tomatoes. The flavor will be fresher, making the dish even more vibrant.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a little kick. Adjust to your personal spice tolerance.
What can I serve with stewed okra?
Stewed okra is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with cornbread for a Southern twist, or alongside fried chicken for a complete meal. It also complements pork recipes beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).